André Greipel German national champion

24/06/2013

Andre Greipel won the bunch sprint in Wangen to take his first German national road race title. Despite the sprint finish, the race was aggressively fought out.

Attack followed attack during the race, with various groups getting up to a three and a half minute gap, but most were caught again. The course in Wangen was very selective with two climbs in each lap, that's why Greipel chose to ride the lighter Ridley Helium SL over the Noah Fast. With only two riders in the race, Greipel and Sieberg, Lotto-Belisol had to have a good plan! The two Germans played their cards to perfection, and in a sprint of a group of 14 riders Greipel beat Gerald Ciolek and John Degenkolb.

André Greipel: "I am very happy with this title. In the beginning of the race the smaller teams controlled the race. In the last lap there was a split-up in the peloton on the first of two climbs. Together with Marcel Sieberg I got in front in a group of 18 riders. Marcel Kittel was in a group behind. Sibi attacked two kilometers from the end, but with 700 meters to go he got caught. I started sprinting at 250 meters and won."

"Everything happened according to plan today, also the attack of Sieberg was planned. I am very proud of my first national title. I've always wanted this! This doesn't change much for the Tour, because I was already motivated. But of course I'm very glad to wear this nice jersey."